The Ultimate Bassmaster Classic Adventure: Epic Bass Fishing KOA Camping Road Trip

Follow along as we visit the legendary waters and remember the stories that make the Bassmaster Classic so…classic.

We've loaded up the kayaks and we're headed for some of the biggest stories in bass fishing history. | Kurt Mazurek

I look forward to the Bassmaster Classic in much the same way most of my friends look forward to the Super Bowl. I’m genuinely excited! I’ve made plans for where and how I’m going to watch it. I’ve made my fantasy picks. I’ve read all the Classic speculation published by the pundits and the anglers themselves. I’ve studied the lake and checked out the weather patterns. But is there more that I could do to fill my brain with good Classic vibes?

Yes, I think I’ve created the Ultimate Bassmaster Classic Adventure, and I’m going to share it with you.

It starts with a little Classic trivia.

Question: Of the 54 (soon to be 55) Bassmaster Classics, what body of water holds the record for the most Classics?

Answer: There is currently a three-way tie at four Classics apiece at Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, Lay Lake in Alabama, and the Louisiana Delta.

Follow-up Question: How cool would it be to pack up the Old Town kayaks and hit the road, stopping at each of these three legendary waters for a little fishing and soaking up some spirit of Classics past, while on the way to attending the 2025 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas?

Answer: Obviously, very cool.

Follow-up, Follow-up Question: What if, to keep the costs lower, while multiplying the positive outdoor/nature vibes, we made the trip in an RV and stayed at KOA campgrounds across the country?

Answer: Brilliant!

It's a 2500 mile trip packed with maximum bass fishing goodness. | Google

So, that’s exactly what we’re doing!

The Plan: Our Map To the Bassmaster Classic

Stop 1: Lake Hartwell -Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday

Our first stop is Lake Hartwell, and the Hartwell Lakeside KOA, as the name implies, is right on the lake. | Kurt Mazurek

We arrived at the Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday in the late afternoon. This campground is located on the southwest part of the lake near the town of Hartwell, Georgia. As the name implies, many of the sites, including our RV pull-through site, are right on the edge of the lake...FULL STORY HERE.

Stop 2: Lay Lake -Montgomery KOA Journey

The Montgomery KOA Journey is a little ride from Lay Lake (just under an hour) but it's clean, quiet and safe, and it has its own pond stocked with bass! | Kurt Mazurek

The campground General Manager, Gary, had sent us a detailed description of our site location ahead of time. The pull-through RV spot was clean and level and a short walk from the main office and community center. When we checked-in, Gary was incredibly friendly and welcoming. We just knew right away this was going to be a perfect place to stay...FULL STORY HERE.

Stop 3: Louisiana Delta -New Orleans KOA Holiday

The New Orleans KOA is just 15 minutes from the Bassmaster Classic launch site and about 30 minutes from all the downtown attractions of New Orleans. | Kurt Mazurek

It took less than 30-seconds before I knew not only was everything going to be fine, but in fact, this campground was going to be great. I pulled up to our spot and decided it would be easier to disconnect the kayak trailer before backing in. And just like that, there was Dave. I’m not sure what Dave’s professional title is at this KOA, but he seems to do whatever is needed to make sure your stay is enjoyable and stress free. Dave walked along side of our RV, one hand on the driver’s side rear view mirror, calmly, reassuringly and confidently guiding my parking...FULL STORY HERE.

Stop 4: Lake Ray Roberts -Dallas/Arlington KOA Holiday

This is where we're staying for the 2025 Bassmaster Classic. It's located about 25 minutes from downtown Fort Worth and about an hour from Lake Ray Roberts. Yes, there is a KOA closer to the lake, but we wanted easy access to the expo and weigh-ins. | Kurt Mazurek

During the planning phase of our trip I noted that there are actually three KOAs that we could have booked for this Bassmaster Classic focused trip. Logistically, the thing about attending the Bassmaster Classic is that the expo and the weigh-ins were in downtown Fort Worth and the morning takeoffs and actual fishing were on Lake Ray Roberts, nearly an hour north...FULL STORY HERE.

Headed to the Bassmaster Classic

My wife Julie and I are zig-zagging our way across the southeastern U.S., just trying to soak up as much Classic mojo and connection to the outdoors as we possibly can on our way to Texas. She's a good sport and clearly, I'm a handful. Keep your eyes on this page for a series of articles intended to get us all in the perfect frame of mind for the 2025 Bassmaster Classic.

She's a good sport and clearly, I'm a handful. Our road trip should be fun! | Kurt Mazurek